Kenya Unveils National Migration Coordination Mechanism

The body launched on 19 July, is tasked with facilitating inter-agency coordination, collaboration and information-sharing on migration concerns at the national level

NAIVASHA, Kenya, July 20, 2016/APO/ — The National Migration Coordination Mechanism (NCM), a Government led inter-agency coordination platform that will be in charge of national migration issues in Kenya has been launched.

The body launched on 19 July, is tasked with facilitating inter-agency coordination, collaboration and information-sharing on migration concerns at the national level. It brings relevant Government ministries, departments and non-state actors to a common platform.

NCM was conceived from the findings and recommendations of a joint assessment by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and IOM in 2014. It also draws from the Migration Profile for Kenya, drafted by IOM and launched by the Government in 2015.

The inception of NCM comes at a right time, when Kenya and countries in the region are grappling with similar migration challenges

Speaking during its launch, the Director of Immigration Services, Maj. General (Rtd) Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa said the NCM provides a platform for stakeholders to enhance the understanding of migration realities and address the twin problem of duplication and wastage of resources.

“The inception of NCM comes at a right time, when Kenya and countries in the region are grappling with similar migration challenges,” he told a workshop that brought together high level Government officials in Naivasha, Kenya.

In July 2012, IGAD member states adopted a Regional Policy Framework (RMPF) to address the migration dynamics in the East and Horn Africa region.

To support the implementation of the RMPF at the national level, IGAD and IOM are supporting the establishment and strengthening national platforms and mechanisms for cooperation on migration.

NCM will now be domiciled at the Department of Immigration Services, within the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.

Distributed by APO on behalf of International Office of Migration (IOM).

Victoria Rotich from the Diaspora and Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade hands over the National Migration Coordination Mechanism (NCM) working documents to the Director of Immigration Services, Maj. General (Rtd) Dr. Gordon Kihalangwa